Portable reusable carrying device with adjustable tying straps and a reinforced handle

ABSTRACT

The present invention is related to a portable carrying device with adjustable tying straps and a reinforced handle, comprising a base to the lateral wall of which at least two straps are attached. On the opposite lateral side two retaining means are embedded in the base, which are capable of receiving and retaining said straps; on the upper surface the base also includes a carrying handle. In an alternative embodiment a third strap may also be included.

RELATED U.S. APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority from U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/705,456, filed on Sep. 25, 2012, entitled “Portable, Reusable Carrying Device with Adjustable Tying Straps and a Reinforced Handle”, presently pending.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO MICROFICHE APPENDIX

Not applicable.

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a device for carrying with only one hand any light, heavy or bulky boxes or objects of different shapes, which includes adjustable straps capable of firmly securing boxes or objects of different shapes and also of releasing the straps for a later reuse. The invention is, however, more particularly directed to a portable reusable carrying device with adjustable tying straps that can easily be fastened around a package or any bulky object to be lifted and/or carried, and then the straps can easily be released to reuse.

2. Description of Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 37 CFR 1.98.

Carrying devices of the prior art for carrying containers, boxes, packages and the like are deficient in several aspects. For example, they are made for only one use or the are not adaptable to different types, weights and sizes of boxes. Also it is not possible to reuse them after the first use because they are difficult to store and they have complicated structures that make them complex and costly. They are also difficult to adjust them to bulky light objects.

A common problem encountered by users around the world is the problem of carrying heavy boxes or any bulky objects without handles, for example one or more boxes of tiles, construction materials, books, food, chairs, computers, large plasmas, cabinets, photocopies, etc. A regular person may carry one single heavy box or any type of bulky objects using both hands, but it is almost impossible to carry a heavy or light bulky box with only one hand without a handle.

In order to provide a solution to this problem, different alternatives have been developed in the prior art; for example a tying combination for a package that includes a handle, a pair of connecting plates, and two strings. The connecting, plates are connected to two ends of the handle, and each has two slots substantially parallel to each other. The strings are connected to slots of a respective one of the connecting plates, and are each equipped with an adjustment member for adjusting the length of the string. A package can be lifted and carried by means of holding and lifting the handle when the strings are fastened around the package. This solution allows the user to carry a package with one hand, but it is very cumbersome to adjust the straps to the package as they are fixed to the handle base. The user must wrap the straps around the package and then adjust their length. Doing this with two straps takes time and it is not easy to maneuver the packages when they are really heavy and/or bulky.

Another solution comprises a detachable handle cushion comprising a flexible flat structure having a cushioning element on one surface of the structure that is configured to attach to an elongated object such as a luggage handle, a load carrying rope, or a heavy machinery handle. The handle cushion is designed to change from a flat configuration into a closed configuration by being wrapped around the handle. The straps of this solution are linked through a Velcro material making this embodiment not appropriate for carrying heavy and/or bulky objects.

Also known is an adjustable unitary strap for bundling and carrying an article or a plurality of articles comprising: a handle; an extended portion of the handle having a fitting slot and a strap aperture; an elongated that strap connected to the extended portion of the handle wherein the strap comprises a plurality of evenly disposed substantially parallel teeth on a major portion of the first surface of the strap; and a lock/release member removably connected to the extended portion of the handle wherein the lock/release member comprises an abutting end, an integral connecting part, and a pivot point, thereby when the strap is inserted into the strap aperture of the extended portion of the handle, the integral connecting part and the pivot point provide a force to the lock/release member to cause the abutting end of the lock/release member to engage with one of the teeth of the strap for locking the strap, and when the lock/release member is depressed, the abutting end of the lock/release member disengages with one of the teeth of the strap thereby unlocking the strap. This embodiment also allows the user to carry objects of different sizes and weight with one hand, but the structure is complex and costly.

Another known example comprises a reusable, adjustable carrier, comprising at least one band the length of which is adjustable for contiguous fastened relation around an awkward handle-less item of size and weight for balanced. toting of the item from place-to-place. This embodiment is especially useful for carrying luggage but it is not useful for carrying heavy boxes or any type of bulky objects as the clasps used to tighten the straps around a package cannot stand the high forces involved in carrying heavy elements. Also it is very cumbersome to install it around the product to be transported.

A versatile strap device to one-hand-carry single or multiple cartons, boxes, luggage or the like is also known in the prior art. The strap device is a pair of flexible, stretch resistant material with a grip handle. The straps are adjustable with a durable quick release buckle closure and will fit variety sized cartons, boxes, luggage or the like. The strap device consists of a pair of cross straps with a grip handle that encircles the luggage, boxes or the like for secure handling when hand carried. This embodiment is similar to the previous one, as regular clasps are used to wrap the straps around the package. Also the clasps are closed, on the bottom of the package. This creates an additional inconvenience as it is very cumbersome to lift and maneuver the heavy package while wrapping the straps around it.

Another known solution comprises a flexible handle for a container having a unitary construction that has a substantially flat profile with a strap attached to flexible hinges and that can be secured flush with a surface of a container. This embodiment is useful for carrying small and light containers like bottles and the like. It is impossible to lift a heavy box and/or bulky objects with a device like this one.

Even though the above cited handles and carrying devices of the prior art address some of the needs of the market, a new, improved, economical and reusable device for carrying heavy boxes or any type of light bulky objects is still desired.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention is directed to a portable reusable carrying device with adjustable tying straps capable of easily wrapping around a package and helping it to be lifted and carried.

In one general aspect of the present invention, a portable reusable carrying device with adjustable tying straps comprises a base with an elongated handle and at least a couple of straps. Said base includes retaining means capable of receiving, retaining and eventually realizing said straps.

Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a portable reusable carrying device with adjustable tying straps made as a single piece of plastic material which makes the final product light, affordable and strong.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a portable reusable carrying device with adjustable tying straps that includes a releasing tongue the user can easily press to release the straps from the retaining means.

Yet another aspect of the purposed invention comprises a portable reusable carrying device with adjustable tying straps that can easily be tightened, released and reused without the usage of any type of tools.

Also another aspect of this invention comprises a portable reusable carrying device that is easy and inexpensive to manufacture, using readily available plastic materials having integral straps and a releasable locking device.

In summary, the present invention is related to a portable carrying device with adjustable tying straps and a reinforced handle, comprising a base to the lateral all of which at least two straps are attached; on the opposite lateral side two retaining means are embedded in the base, which are capable of receiving and retaining said straps; on the upper surface the base also includes a carrying handle.

These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the attached drawings and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments, which follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The preferred embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings provided to illustrate and not to limit the invention, where like designations denote like elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a general perspective view of a first embodiment of the portable reusable carrying device in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front side elevational view of the present portable reusable carrying device.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view

FIG. 4 is another perspective view of the present device wrapped around a package. In this figure, it can clearly be seen how the tip of the strap goes through the retaining device that is part of the base and remains on the base.

FIG. 5 is a general perspective view of a second embodiment in which the device includes an extra longitudinal strap.

FIG. 6 is a front side elevational view of the embodiment of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a left end elevational view of the embodiment of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of a corner protecting piece used to help the user to transport a package.

FIG. 9 is right side elevational view of the corner protecting piece of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a left side elevational view of the corner protecting piece of FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 is a front elevational and partially exploded view of a second embodiment of the corner protecting piece of FIG. 8, including wheels for easy transport of large and/or heavy bulky objects.

FIG. 12 is a right side elevational view of the embodiment of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a top plan view of an additional handle of the portable reusable carrying device in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 14 if a front elevational view of the handle of FIG. 13; finally;

FIG. 15 is a side elevational view of the handle of FIG. 13, showing in broken lines how the strip goes through an internal slot of the handle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “rear”, “right”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “below”, “above”, “on top”. “back” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices illustrated in the attached drawings, and described, in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claim. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

Making reference to the attached drawings, in FIG. 1 the present invention comprises a portable reusable carrying device 100 that basically includes three main parts: a rectangular base 110, a handle 120 and at least a couple of straps 130.

In FIG. 1 the rectangular base 110 comprises a flat rectangular plastic piece 111 that has a couple of orifices in which the handle 120 will be installed, and on the edge 112 two set of grooves 113 whose direction is substantially perpendicular to said edge 112.

On the lateral side 114, said base has two integral retaining means 115 that are embedded in the material of the base. As will be explained in detail below, said retaining means 115 have the function of ‘retaining’ the strap 130 and also of releasing it.

As it is more clearly illustrated in the elevation version of FIG. 2, said retaining means 115 includes an orifice 116 through which the strap will go through, and a central tongue 117.

In FIG. 1 said orifice 116 is in communication with the groove 113 of the base 110. Therefore, every time the tip of the strap 135 is inserted into said orifice 116, it then goes on said groove 113 and remains on top of the base 110.

The rectangular base 110 may be made of different materials, including but not limited to, plastic, wood, cardboard, etc.

As shown in FIG. 1, to the lateral wall 116 of said base 110, a strap 130 is attached. There are different ways of securing these straps 130 to the lateral walls 116 of the base 110. They may be welded to the wall 116 of the base 110 or may also be molded as an integral part. Each strap 130 includes a toothed portion 133. These teeth 133 cooperate with the tongue 117 of FIG. 2 to retain the strap in place when the user wraps the straps 130 around a package to be carried.

FIG. 3 in turn illustrates a top plan view of the present device 100, and shows the perpendicular position of the straps 130 regarding the position of the handle 120.

FIG. 4 illustrates the present device 100 already wrapped around a package 200. The straps 130 go around the package 200 and the tip 135 is inserted into the orifice 116 of the retaining means 115 and rests on the bottom of the groove 113. The teeth 133 of said straps 130 are retained by the retaining tongue 117 until the straps are tightly secured around the package. In the position illustrated in FIG. 4 the user may grab the handle 120 to carry the package 200 comfortably.

In the alternative embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5-7, the carrying device 100 includes an additional strap 140. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, both straps 130 are perpendicular with the handle 120. This time the additional strap 140 is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the handle 120. This way, the device incorporates an additional attaching means for very heavy boxes or in cases where the package 200 to be carried is not symmetric, and this additional strap 140 will add an additional way to secure the package 200 to the device 100.

In the alternative embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8-10, to wedge-like solid corner protecting piece 300 is used to protect the edges of a package carried by the device of the present invention. Said piece 300 includes a first vertical face 301, a second horizontal face 302 between which form a 90° is formed, and a third curved surface 303 that links the outer edge of face 301 with the outer edge of face 302. This piece 300 includes an internal curved L-shaped slot or passage 305 that follows the L form of faces 301-302. Into said slot or passage 305 a strap 306 may be inserted. By using the protecting piece 300 the user protects the package (not illustrated) to be transported. When the device in accordance with the present invention is put around a package, this piece 300 separates the package from the strap 306 and the outer surface 303 of the piece 300 will prevent the package to touch the floor.

The wedge-like solid corner protecting piece 300 of FIGS. 8-10 has an alternate embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 11-12. In this embodiment the solid corner protecting piece 400 includes a first vertical face 401, a second horizontal face 402 between which form a 90° is formed, and a third surface 403 that links the outer edge of face 401 with the outer edge of face 402. This piece 400 includes an internal curved L-shaped slot or passage 405 that follows the L form of faces 401-402. Into said slot or passage 405 a strap 406 may be inserted. From the lower portion of said surface 403 a bolt 410 with a retaining means 411 is embedded.

This piece 400 is attached to a wheel set 450 to provide to a package an improved mobility and transportability. This wheel set 450 includes a core 412 that includes two orifices: a vertical orifice 414 and a horizontal orifice 415. The vertical orifice 414 includes a space 413 into which the retaining means 411 of the bolt 410 will fit. In the horizontal orifice 415 an axis 420 is inserted. To the free ends of said axis 420 a couple of faced up wheels 421-422 are rotatably installed.

The bolt 410 is inserted into the orifice 414 of the base 412. Once the piece 400 is attached to the wheel set 450 the user may insert a strap 406 into the slot or passage 405 converting the protecting piece 400 in a means for improving the transportability of a package.

An alternative embodiment of the handle of the present device is illustrated in FIGS. 13-15. In this embodiment a polygonal base 500 has attached thereto a curved handle 505. A transversal internal slot 501 creates a passage from one side to the other of the base 500 into which a strap 502 may be inserted. This base can be installed as the only handle attached to a package to be transported or as an additional handle to the package to improve its maneuverability during the transportation or handling of said package.

The following is the way the user will use the present invention to attach the present carrying device to a heavy box (see FIG. 4):

1) Place the base 110 on top of the package 200.

2) Wrap the first and second strap 130 around the package 200.

3) Put the tip 135 of each strap 130 into the orifice 116.

4) Push the tip 135 of the strap 130 through the retaining means 115 until the tip 135 goes on the groove 113.

5) Pull the tip 135 of each strap 130 firmly until the whole strap wraps around the package 200 firmly.

6) Carry the package 200 by holding the handle 120 with one hand.

While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been described above, it will be recognized and understood that various modifications can be made in the invention and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications which may fall within the spirit and scope of the invention. 

I claim:
 1. A portable carrying device with adjustable tying straps and a reinforced handle, comprising a base, to a lateral wall of said base; at least two elongated flexible straps are attached a free end of each strap includes a toothed surface; on an opposite side of each strap two retaining means are embedded in the base, capable of receiving and retaining the toothed surface of said straps; on an upper surface the base a carrying handle is included.
 2. The portable carrying device with adjustable tying straps and a reinforced handle of claim 1, wherein the rectangular base comprises a flat rectangular plastic piece with a couple of orifices in which the handle is installed; perpendicular to the longitudinal edge of the base two set of parallel grooves are included, and on the external portion of each groove an integral retaining means is embedded in the material of the base.
 3. The portable carrying device with adjustable tying straps and a reinforced handle of claim 2, wherein said retaining means includes an orifice through which the strap will to through, and a central tongue; said orifice is in communication with the groove of the base.
 4. The portable carrying device with adjustable tying straps and a reinforced handle of claim 1, wherein the rectangular base is made of one of the following materials: plastic, wood, cardboard, metal.
 5. The portable carrying device with adjustable tying straps and a reinforced handle of claim 1, wherein the base includes an additional strap attached to the lateral wall thereof, the base thus has two straps perpendicular with the handle and an additional strap parallel to the longitudinal axis of the handle.
 6. The portable carrying device with adjustable tying straps and a reinforced handle of claim 5, wherein each strap is welded to the lateral walls of the base.
 7. The portable carrying device with adjustable tying straps and a reinforced handle of claim 5, wherein each strap is molded with the lateral walls of the base.
 8. The portable carrying device with adjustable tying straps and a reinforced handle of claim 1, wherein each strap includes a set of parallel arranged teeth.
 9. The portable carrying device with adjustable tying straps and a reinforced handle of claim 8, wherein these teeth cooperate with the tongue to retain the strap in place.
 10. The portable carrying device with adjustable tying straps and a reinforced handle of claim 1, wherein a wedge-like solid corner protecting piece is inserted in at least one of the straps.
 11. The portable carrying device with adjustable tying straps and a reinforced handle of claim 10, wherein said piece includes a first vertical face, a second horizontal face and a third curved surface linking the outer edge of vertical face with the outer edge of the horizontal face.
 12. The portable carrying device with adjustable tying straps and a reinforced handle of claim 11, wherein said piece includes an internal curved L-shaped slot parallel to the vertical and horizontal faces.
 13. The portable carrying device with adjustable tying straps and a reinforced handle of claim 10 wherein the wedge-like solid corner protecting piece includes a bolt projected from the lower portion of said curved surface.
 14. The portable carrying device with adjustable tying straps and a reinforced handle of claim 13, wherein a wheel set is attached to said bolt.
 15. The portable carrying device with adjustable tying straps and a reinforced handle of claim 13, wherein the wheel set includes a core with two orifices: a vertical orifice and a horizontal orifice; into the vertical orifice the bolt is inserted and in the horizontal orifice an axis is inserted, to said axis two faced up wheels are installed. 